Radius, partial articular (AO/OTA 2R1B1 and 2R1B3)

Partial articular fractures of the radial head are divided in two fracture classes:

• 2R1B1 – Simple (left)
• 2R1B3 – Fragmentary (right)

They are either stable fractures with no associated elbow or forearm ligament injury, or unstable fractures associated with elbow dislocation, or part of an Essex-Lopresti (interosseous ligament of the forearm) injury. If there is a significant gap between fracture fragments, then there is usually an associated ligament injury or associated fracture.

The x-ray shows a stable isolated partial articular impaction fracture of the radial head with no associated ligament injuries or fractures.